CoVID-19 Testing at BCMH

If you are seeking a test for CoVID-19 at Bates County Memorial Hospital, a physician or health care provider will decide what type of test you need.

The following tests are available through BCMH and Family Care Clinics.

Coronavirus NAA BCMH or CoVID-19 BCMH

If you have symptoms of CoVID-19, your provider at BCMH will likely use this test. It uses a relatively pain-free nasal swab and it’s fast – it takes 15 minutes for a negative result, and as few as five minutes for a positive result. The swab must be tested within one hour of collection.

Our lab performs the Coronavirus NAA (nucleic acid amplification) test using Abbott ID NOW instruments. These instruments are also used to test for Influenza.

Coronavirus NAA LabCorp or CoVID-19 LabCorp – LabCorp

The CoVID-19 LabCorp test is often used for:

Specimens that will not be tested within one hour of collection
Asymptomatic people with a known exposure to CoVID-19
Pre-operative patients
Persons needing a negative test for travel or other personal purposes
Whenever rapid test kits are not available at BCMH

Tests are sent to LabCorp and results are typically received within 24-48 hours.

BioFire Respiratory Profile PCR – Performed at BCMH

The Biofire FilmArray 2.1 is a laboratory instrument used to detect 22 pathogens including COVID-19 and 21 other respiratory pathogens from one nasopharyngeal swab. The BioFire instrument uses PCR (polymerase chain reaction) technology. This test is often used whenever the ordering physician/provider wants to check the patient for respiratory illnesses other than CoVID-19, Strep and Influenza. Results are available within a few hours.

Where to Seek Testing at BCMH

CoVID-19 testing for non-emergency patients is scheduled through Family Care Clinics by appointment only – call 660-200-3627.
CoVID-19 testing is performed in our emergency room for patients who present with symptoms. If you or your loved one experience trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion, inability to wake or stay awake, or bluish lips or face, these are warning signs that need emergency medical attention. Call 911 or visit the BCMH Emergency Room. Please call ahead to alert our staff before you enter the ER (660-200-7010). If other symptoms are severe or concerning to you, call your primary care provider right away.
Patients scheduled for surgery at BCMH may be tested for CoVID-19. Our staff will help patients arrange pre-operative CoVID-19 testing when required for their procedure at BCMH.

Test Results